Islamabad: Justin Bieber’s iconic hit song ‘Baby’ took on a cultural twist during a university event in Lahore, Pakistan, where it was performed in a Qawwali style. The fusion of Western pop with traditional Sufi music stunned the audience, sparking both applause and debate online.
The performance, held during Qawwali Night at Lahore University, featured local artists who reimagined the pop track with a soulful Qawwali rendition, using instruments like the harmonium and tabla. While many in the crowd cheered the unique effort, the reinterpretation drew mixed reactions on social media.
Some fans celebrated the fusion, calling it a refreshing take that bridges musical traditions. “This shows the universality of music. Such creativity deserves appreciation,” one user wrote. Others were less enthusiastic, with comments like, “Qawwali has been diminished and lost its original essence.”
The viral video of the performance has garnered thousands of views on Instagram, with humor-filled remarks about Bieber’s potential reaction alongside deep discussions about cultural preservation. Regardless of the opinions, the event has spotlighted the adaptability of music, blending diverse styles and traditions to create something new.